James Hunt beat Niki Lauda to the 1976 F1 title but the British racing legend’s life ended in tragedy.

James Hunt even has a film made about him (Image: Photo by Tony Duffy/Getty Images)

The Formula One off-season is upon us, following a thrilling world championship win by British driver Lando Norris in the final grand prix of the season in Abu Dhabi last month. Enthusiasts will have to bide their time until the action resumes in early March.

In the meantime, fans can still get their F1 fix by watching the Hollywood hit ‘Rush’. The film chronicles the life and career of British racing icon James Hunt and his intense rivalry with Niki Lauda, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl.

Although Hunt passed away over three decades ago, his legacy continues to resonate in the 2020s.

A renowned figure in the high-octane world of Formula One, Hunt was known for his reckless driving style, earning him the moniker ‘Hunt The Shunt’. Besides being an exceptional racer, Hunt was one of the most charismatic sports personalities of his time, with a truly extraordinary story. His parents even declined to support his F1 aspirations. Here’s everything you need to know about Hunt.

Financial supporter

James Hunt was a superstar of F1 (Image: Photo by Bernard Cahier/Getty Images)

Without the substantial financial backing of Lord Alexander Hesketh, it’s doubtful that Hunt would have achieved such success in the racing world. Despite having no knowledge of motorsport, he invested a significant amount of money in entertainment and decided to establish a racing team with Hunt as the star. The team, which competed in the lower Formula Three and Two ranks, was seen as a group more interested in partying than racing, who “consumed as much champagne as fuel and had more beautiful women than mechanics.”

Nevertheless, Hesketh Racing made its F1 debut in 1974. Despite initial disdain from their competitors, attitudes shifted to reluctant respect when Hunt triumphed over Lauda at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1975.

Hunt’s career reached its zenith in the mid-1970s when he joined McLaren following the unexpected departure of Emerson Fittipaldi. Among the drivers, his closest friend was Niki Lauda, but their friendship soon became strained as they found themselves locked in an intense battle for the title in 1976.

I161023_172707_11466448.oTextTRMRMMGLPICT000085807030.o.jpg (Image: Daily Mirror)

Lauda was leading comfortably until he nearly lost his life in a horrific accident at Nurburgring, Germany. Hunt won that race and the season came down to the final race, with Lauda making a remarkable comeback to compete in the Japan showdown.

However, the conditions in the Far East were extremely wet, leading Lauda to park his Ferrari after just a few laps. Hunt finished third, securing his world champion status.

Death and legacy

On June 15 1993, Hunt popped the question to his new girlfriend Helen, who was half his age, and she said yes. Tragically, just a few hours later, Hunt suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at the tender age of 45.

He left behind two sons, Tom and Freddie, from his previous marriage to Sarah. Freddie continues to have a strong interest in motorsport and leads a quieter life than his father on a small farm.

His former competitor Lauda remarked: “For me, James was the most charismatic personality who’s ever been in Formula 1.”

Hunt died back in 1993 (Image: Paul-Henri Cahier)

Bankruptcy

Prior to his death, it was reported that Hunt was in severe financial distress due to some ill-advised investments. The F1 icon was embroiled in Lloyd’s of London’s financial losses in the late 1980s, reportedly losing £180,000.

In his final years, Hunt was often spotted driving around London in an old van or cycling. Due to these financial difficulties and alleged bankruptcy, those close to him suggest that Hunt was contemplating a comeback to F1 in 1989, even allegedly testing a Williams car in preparation for his return.